Watershed-based systems

Abstract

This chapter discusses the application of adaptive watershed management strategies and their importance to maintaining water supply. The watershed, which is an area of land that drains to a particular point or outlet, can be any size and is physically governed by topography. Thoroughly understanding these physical properties is essential to formulating an effective management plan for a watershed. In turn, proper management can improve and maintain soil quality and water availability in communities across the watershed. This chapter offers definitions, case studies and an organization framework for collecting data and analyzing the results, which are essential for formulating a watershed management plan.